qUiCkSiLvEr just released his latest tool called VBCT (Valve Batch Compile Tool) which acts as a replacement for the Hammer interface to compile your map.
It also brings a vast list of improvements over Hammer as it gives you help and description of each of the processes along the way, yet still acts as a simplified expert mode.
I was fortunate enough to be among the beta testers for qS for the past few weeks, and I must say this tool is my new best friend mapping. In contrary to Nem's own tool, this one is a lot more user friendly. While I realize this isn't exactly the kinda target visiting this forum regularly, I personally prefer it over Nem's.
Give it a try !